Prime Minister promises to help doomed wind turbine factory

Published Date: 23 October 2008
By Ross Lydall

THE Prime Minister yesterday offered to help campaigners fighting the proposed closure of Scotland's only wind turbine factory.
Gordon Brown said he was aware that the loss-making Vestas factory near Campbeltown was being shut down, but promised to "endeavour to find out what I can do to help" in terms of finding new tenants for the site.He had been told at Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons that more than 90 jobs were at stake if the Danish owner completed its planned closure in December.Campaigners believe the closure is perverse at a time both the Westminster and Holyrood governments want to see a huge increase in onshore and off-shore energy from renewable sources such as wind power. Responding to a question from Alan Reid, the Liberal Democrat MP for Argyll and Bute, Mr Brown said: "The company is investing in another plant on the Isle of Wight, but the problem is due to the factory losing money. "I understand that the Scottish (Government's] Highlands and Islands Enterprise met the company and those who are trying to find other potential occupants of the site. I will endeavour to find out what I can do to help in this instance."Mr Reid said that he was "encouraged" by the Prime Minister's offer of help. Vestas believes it can meet the need for towers from its factories in Denmark.